Cross Connection Specialist

Salary : $86,139.60 - $104,702.64 Annually
Location : Rohnert Park, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: CCS 2025
Department: Public Works
Division: Utilities
Opening Date: 10/31/2025
Closing Date: 11/28/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt

The Position
Join Our Team as a Cross Connection Specialist
Are you passionate about protecting your community's water quality and ensuring a safe, reliable water supply? Do you take pride in public service and want to grow your career in the water industry?

The City of Rohnert Park is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Cross Connection Specialist to join our Utilities Division. Don't miss this opportunity - apply today and become a key part of our team
ABOUT THE POSITION

Under general supervision, the Cross-Connection Control Specialist performs skilled technical work in support of the City's Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program. Responsibilities include:

• Planning, organizing, and assisting in administering the City's backflow prevention program
• Performing inspections and surveys of water and recycled water services to identify potential cross-connection hazards
• Determining when and where approved backflow prevention assemblies are required
• Conducting repair oversight and documentation to ensure regulatory compliance
• Providing education and support to customers, contractors, and City staff on backflow prevention requirements

This position plays a vital role in protecting the City's potable and recycled water systems and upholding our commitment to water safety and community health.

TO APPLY
To be considered for this opportunity, please visit "Job Opportunities" at www.rpcity.org for an online application and the required supplemental questionnaire. Work history must include all employment for the last ten years. All applications will be screened for completeness and possession of minimum qualifications. Applications will be reviewed in detail to identify the most qualified candidates to proceed in the recruitment process.

PLEASE NOTEYou may submit a resume or other relevant documents to further describe your qualifications; however, "See Resume" will NOT meet the requirements to submit a complete application, including employment history, or be accepted in lieu of responses to supplemental questions.

If you need assistance applying online, please click on the Application Help/FAQ's link:
www.governmentjobs.com/home/faq
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, performs a variety of work in support of the City's cross connection inspection and backflow prevention control program; to prevent and eliminate contamination to the City water supply; conducts cross connection control surveys and inspections; provides information and assistance to other departments, contractors, engineers, and the general public; and maintains a variety of records, files, and related documents.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct or general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. May exercise technical and functional direction over lower level staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
The Cross Connection Specialist is a journey-level classification that performs the full range of duties in cross connection and backflow programs required to ensure that the City's water and wastewater systems function in a safe and effective working condition and provide the highest level of safety for public use. Responsibilities include performing a wide variety of tasks in the investigation and inspections of assigned systems and facilities to ensure regulatory compliance. Incumbents are expected to work independently and exercise judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
Ideal Candidate
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Oversee Backflow Prevention Testing Program and Cross Connection Control Program; maintain regulatory compliance with the testing of backflow preventers, maintain records and report to SWRCB annually; and keep current records of the approved list of backflow prevention assemblies provided by the University of Southern California Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (USC FCCCR).
• Prepare annual State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) reports regarding the Cross Connection Program and annual backflow testing for the City.
• Act as liaison between the public, water customers, SWRCB, various water agencies and stakeholders; respond to inquiries and provide technical information to the public relating to backflow prevention.
• Issue corrective recommendations, review plans and ensure compliance with good sanitary practices, existing rules and regulations.
• Maintain an accurate computerized database of backflow devices, add and delete records, and update annual testing information; ensure the backflow database functions properly and assess whether the software needs to be updated or replaced; and update the backflow database with a wide variety of information on an as needed basis.
• Schedule testing frequency of privately owned backflow devices to ensure proper installation and initiate monthly notices to customers to inform them of required periodic testing and maintenance of backflow devices; and ensure that testing and/or repair is completed, including providing follow-up notices, and correspondence.
• Coordinate efforts between customers, engineers, and contractors for installation of new backflow preventers on new and existing services; including final inspections, unlocking water services, and turning the service on for the water customer.
• Inspect customer facilities and backflow prevention device installation and assemblies to ensure compliance with City codes, State regulations, and USC FCCCR; approve or deny installations; and perform on-site inspections of customer facilities to evaluate backflow problems and determine necessary corrective measures.
• Maintain and update a reference list of qualified private contractor backflow device-testers and approved types of protective devices; and coordinate efforts with backflow testers to ensure that accurate records are kept with their certification and registration forms.
• Create and analyze test reports and send letters and correspondence in a timely manner.
• Perform on-going surveys of existing properties for protection of the City's distribution system; coordinate efforts with water customers and stakeholders; and may require installation of backflow preventer.
• Provide guidance to staff, contractors, customers, and stakeholders about backflow prevention and cross connection control.
• Coordinate disconnection for non-compliance.
• Assist with water quality issues; coordinate efforts with engineers; and investigate water quality problems as required by engineering requirements.
• Provide information and update the City website with information regarding the Backflow Prevention Program and Cross Connection Control Program.
• Remain current on safety certifications, classes, and courses as required in the performance of the duties of the position; and remain aware of hazards to the City distribution system.
• Effectively communicate with City staff, contractors and engineers to specify, recommend and provide quality assurance reviews for new or replacement equipment installation.
• Use required personal protective equipment while adhering to set safety standards.
• Effectively communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

In performing the duties described above, the incumbent is expected to:

• Provide outstanding and friendly customer service.
• Create and maintain a respectful and collaborative working environment.
• Communicate honestly and behave in a manner that is ethical, legal and fiscally responsible.
• Demonstrate care for the organization, customers, and coworkers.
• Perform work of the highest quality possible.
• Practice and encourage initiative and innovation to improve the workplace.

Qualifications and Requirements
KNOWLEDGE OF

• Principles and practices of cross connection control and backflow prevention.
• Operating characteristics of plumbing, water system, irrigation system and related devices, backflow devices and cross-connection control problems and their prevention.
• Operations, services and activities of the City's cross-connection control program.
• Operating characteristics of City water and recycled water systems, equipment and facilities.
• Records management, recordkeeping, and reporting.
• Safety principles, practices, procedures and equipment related to the work.
• Operation and maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles and power equipment.
• Applicable Federal, State and local laws, regulations, codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Collaboration, problem solving and conflict resolution skills techniques.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
• Computers and software programs to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.

ABILITY TO

• Inspect a variety of water systems and backflow prevention devices.
• Interpret, explain, apply and enforce pertinent rules and regulations, including cross-connection and water quality regulations.
• Read, interpret and apply information from technical manuals; relay highly technical information effectively to others in lay terms; relay operational, maintenance, and mechanical needs and requirements to others effectively in technical terms.
• Use sampling equipment, meters, related test apparatus and other tools.
• Analyze and interpret the results of a variety of cross-connection control tests and water quality tests.
• Enforce compliance with federal, state and local requirements by issuing verbal and written warnings for violations and by guiding noncompliant users back to compliance.
• Prepare a variety of inspection and compliance reports, forms and documents that may become public record and used in a court of law.
• Operate a computer, standard business software and a variety of computer software programs and databases related to area of assignment.
• Define issues, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and develop sound, independent conclusions and recommendations in accordance with laws, regulations, rules and policies.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; ensure written reports and correspondence are accurate, complete, and in proper grammatical form.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work.
• Safely operate a City vehicle.
• Obtain certification in First Aid, CPR, AED and other trade-related safety training.
• Operate water service valves.
• Access meter boxes and vaults.
• Enter construction sites and comply with general safety requirements.
• Coordinate work activities with all utility divisions of the department.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade and one (1) year of experience performing cross connection control and backflow prevention inspections of water systems and program administration.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License by time of appointment and a satisfactory driving record.
• Possession of a valid AWWA certification as a Cross Connection Control Program Specialist.
• Possession of a valid AWWA certification as a Backflow Prevention Assembly General Tester.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium physical work, to occasionally work in confined spaces and around machines, to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
WORKING CONDITIONS
May provide twenty-four-hour standby service.
CALPERS RETIREMENT: Per the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA), effective 1/1/13, new-hire employees will be in the Misc. 2% at Age 62 retirement formula with a 3-year final compensation. Employees must contribute 50% of the normal cost rate to CalPERS, which is currently 6.25%.

Medicare Taxes are withheld, but the City does not participate in Social Security.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: Employees may select from Kaiser, REMIF, or Sutter health plans. The City contributes a set credit amount based on coverage level.

DENTAL & VISION INSURANCE: City provides Delta Dental and VSP (vision) insurance at no premium cost to employee and eligible dependents.

HOLIDAYS: 12.5 paid holidays per year.

ANNUAL LEAVE PROGRAM: 12.67 hrs/month accrual for paid time off. Accrual schedule increases with service. The maximum Annual Leave cap is 500 hours.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS: City-paid $50,000 life insurance policy and $1000 for dependents, Short-Term Disability Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Education and Tuition Reimbursement Program, Bilingual Pay, Dependent Care Assistance Program, Health Care Tax Free Dollar Account Program, Catastrophic Leave Program, and free use of the City's Sports Center and lap swim in the City's swimming pools. Employees may purchase supplemental life insurance, participate in deferred compensation program and join in a credit union. The City is a non-smoking workplace.

EMPLOYEE UNIT: This position is in the Rohnert Park Employees' Association Unit. Positions in this unit that are Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) receive 50 hours of Administrative Leave.

For further details about the benefits offered, please
01

Do you have a valid California Class C Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

02

Is your driving record clear of accidents and traffic violations? Please answer yes or no in the text below. If your answer is no, please briefly explain.
03

Do you currently possess the following certifications? If so, please attach to your application.

• AWWA Cross-Connection Control Program Specialist
• AWWA Backflow Prevention Assembly General Tester
• California Water Distribution Operator License
• None

04

If you checked any of the certifications above, please list the expiration date of your certification. If you checked California Water Distribution Operator Licenses, please specify the grade. If you checked none, please mark n/a.
05

Please describe any additional relevant certificates and/or licenses that you possess that are not listed above.
06

Please describe your experience administering or assisting in a Cross-Connection Control or Backflow Prevention Program. Include your employer, your role, the size of the water system served, and the types of facilities you inspected or tested.
07

Please explain the purpose of a backflow prevention assembly and provide an example of how you determined the appropriate type of assembly to protect against a specific cross-connection hazard.
08

Please describe your experience interpreting and applying State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) regulations . Include how you ensured compliance or responded to non-compliance.
09

This position maintains a large electronic database of backflow devices and test records. Please describe your experience using data management systems (e.g., XC2, Tokay, Backflow Solutions, or similar) and your approach to ensuring accuracy and timely reporting.
10

Please describe a time when you had to educate or enforce compliance with a water quality or cross-connection regulation for a customer, business, or contractor. How did you handle the situation and what was the outcome?
11

This position requires field inspections and occasional work in confined spaces or adverse weather. Please describe your experience performing field inspections, using PPE, and following Cal/OSHA safety practices.
12

Please provide an example of how you collaborated with other divisions (e.g., Water Operations, Engineering, or Building) to resolve a cross-connection or water quality issue.
13

Have you ever been employed with the City of Rohnert Park? If yes, please list when and the departments you worked in.
Required Question

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